Becoming One with the Reachmen: Exploring the Forsworn in Skyrim
The short answer is both yes and no. You cannot officially join the Forsworn faction in the traditional sense, like joining the Thieves Guild or the Companions. There’s no formal induction ceremony, no designated Forsworn headquarters to call home. However, the game does offer a path to align yourself with them, particularly during and after the quest “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” in Markarth. By siding with Madanach, the King in Rags, and escaping Cidhna Mine with him, the game will, in effect, acknowledge you as a friend of the Forsworn. This limited “membership” comes with perks, mainly that specific Forsworn camps, particularly Druadach Redoubt, will become non-hostile to you. Furthermore, wearing a full set of Forsworn armor makes many Forsworn groups less likely to attack you. It’s a complex situation that involves role-playing, quest choices, and utilizing in-game mechanics.
Understanding the Forsworn
Before delving deeper into how you can align yourself with the Forsworn, it’s crucial to understand who they are. The Forsworn are the native inhabitants of the Reach, a region in western Skyrim. They are a people with a deep connection to the land, their own unique culture, and a history of conflict with the Nords who have come to dominate the region. They see themselves as the rightful rulers of the Reach, and they are willing to fight, often brutally, to reclaim their ancestral lands. This rebellion against Nord rule is fueled by a desire to restore their traditional way of life, which includes reverence for the Old Gods and a reliance on guerilla warfare tactics.
The Forsworn are more than just mindless bandits. Their actions are driven by a complex mix of cultural pride, historical grievances, and a desperate attempt to survive in a world that seems determined to erase them. Many scholars, like those you might find at the Games Learning Society, would argue they offer a compelling case study in cultural identity and conflict.
The “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” Quest
The key to becoming friendly with the Forsworn lies in the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest. This quest is initiated after being arrested in Markarth during the “Forsworn Conspiracy” questline. Inside Cidhna Mine, you have a choice: side with Madanach or side with the Silver-Bloods. If you choose to help Madanach escape, you’ll fight alongside him and his fellow Forsworn prisoners to break out of the mine. Upon your successful escape, you will be considered an ally of the Forsworn.
The Armor of the Old Gods
After escaping with Madanach, you’ll be rewarded with the Armor of the Old Gods. While not strictly required for Forsworn to become friendly, wearing a full set of Forsworn armor significantly decreases the likelihood of attack. The combination of siding with Madanach and wearing the appropriate attire will greatly enhance your experience as a Forsworn sympathizer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you permanently join the Forsworn?
No, there is no permanent way to become a formal member of the Forsworn faction. The closest you can get is by siding with Madanach during the Cidhna Mine quest and becoming friendly with the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt.
2. What happens if you kill Madanach?
If you kill Madanach during the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest, you will receive the Silver-Blood Family Ring from Thonar Silver-Blood and your confiscated items will be returned. You will not become friendly with any Forsworn camps.
3. Does siding with the Forsworn affect my Thane status in Markarth?
No, siding with the Forsworn does not prevent you from becoming Thane of Markarth. Your actions during the “Forsworn Conspiracy” questline have no impact on your ability to perform Thane-related quests.
4. Can you meet Madanach again after escaping Cidhna Mine?
Yes, if Madanach survives your escape from Cidhna Mine, you can find him at Druadach Redoubt. He will acknowledge you as an ally and be friendly towards you.
5. Does wearing Forsworn armor make all Forsworn friendly?
Wearing Forsworn armor does not guarantee that all Forsworn will be friendly. It significantly reduces the likelihood of attack by most groups, but some may still be hostile, particularly if you have a high bounty in the Reach.
6. Is it possible to complete the Forsworn Conspiracy without going to jail?
Yes, it is possible to complete the initial “Forsworn Conspiracy” quest without being arrested. It requires careful navigation and avoiding direct confrontation with the guards in Markarth.
7. What are the benefits of siding with the Forsworn?
The primary benefit is that Druadach Redoubt becomes non-hostile, allowing you to freely interact with the Forsworn there. You also receive the Armor of the Old Gods, a unique set of armor.
8. Are the Silver-Bloods evil?
Many players and characters within the game consider the Silver-Bloods to be morally corrupt. They are heavily involved in the exploitation of the Reach and are implicated in the Forsworn conspiracy.
9. What race are the Forsworn?
The Forsworn are primarily Bretons, although their heritage also includes Nord and possibly Elven ancestry, contributing to their unique cultural identity and appearance.
10. What happens if Ulfric Stormcloak wins the civil war?
If the Stormcloaks win the civil war, Ulfric Stormcloak becomes High King of Skyrim, and Skyrim declares independence from the Empire. This does not directly affect your relationship with the Forsworn.
11. Can you become Jarl of Markarth?
No, players cannot become Jarl of Markarth or any other hold in Skyrim, unless using mods.
12. What should you do after killing Madanach?
After killing Madanach, loot his body for the key to escape Cidhna Mine. Also, search his chambers for potions and other useful items.
13. Who becomes Jarl of Markarth if the Stormcloaks take the city?
If the Stormcloaks take Markarth, Thongvor Silver-Blood becomes the Jarl, regardless of the outcome of the Cidhna Mine quest.
14. What if I accidentally attacked a Forsworn camp? Can I still become friendly with them?
If you’ve attacked a Forsworn camp, it might be more difficult, but not impossible, to gain their trust. Siding with Madanach in Cidhna Mine will still make Druadach Redoubt friendly. For other camps, you may need to avoid them for a period of time or use Illusion magic to calm them.
15. How does the Forsworn’s plight reflect real-world societal issues?
The Forsworn’s struggle can be viewed as a representation of indigenous populations resisting colonization and cultural erasure. Their fight for autonomy and the preservation of their traditions mirrors real-world conflicts, making their story resonant and thought-provoking for many players. The complexities of their history and culture are an example of valuable insights offered by the study of games and learning as seen at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, while you can’t “join” the Forsworn in the traditional sense, aligning yourself with them through quest choices and in-game mechanics allows you to experience a unique perspective in Skyrim, challenging your perceptions of good and evil and forcing you to consider the complex moral landscape of the Reach.